Assessment of Adverse Health effect of Levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine System (Mirena) among Women Attending Private Clinic

Abstract

Background Despite their known efficacy, recent studies have found that there is adverse health problem accompanied with Mirena as the following. Therefore, the current study aims to assess adverse health problems among levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) users. Design A descriptive design was utilized for the study. Setting This study was conducted at the gynecological clinic in Rofayda Obstetrics and Gynecology Private Hospital, at El Shikh Zaied, El Giza Sector, Egypt. Purposive sample of 50 women using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine (Mirena) system for at least 6 months. Two tools were used for the study (a) structured interviewing questionnaire schedule tool and (b) adverse health effect of Mirena assessment tool. Results The mean age among the study sample was 35.56±6.42 years. The common health problems among the study sample were physical problems 24% in the form of headache, 40% had weight gain, dermatological problem, including 34% acne, and 22% of the study sample had menstrual disturbance. Regarding psychological disturbance, 32% had depression and 42% had mood swings. Regarding gynecological problems, 22% had a vaginal infection as well as 8% had a decrease in libido. Conclusion Mirena is a promising and effective option for contraceptive and noncontraceptive methods. It is associated with health problems, as reported by Mirena users. Recommendations Organized educational guidelines facilities and methods about uses, complaints, and health problems toward Mirena such as lectures, handout, and videos should be developed and become accessible to all women in the outpatient clinic.